I have a 68 327 350 4 spd and it recently developed occasional squeaks and grinds in the engine compartment. I can't tell exactly where the noises are coming from but it appears they are coming from the water pump area. Is this my water pump kissing me goodbye? How long will it last? Or is it something simple? I sprayed some belt tightening stuff on the belts and got a momentary high pitched squeal which scared the hell out of me. Suggestions and comments most welcome!
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Re: SQUEAKS AND GRINDS IN 68 ENGINE AREA
Rick----
Based upon the description and source of the noises that you described, I consider it highly likely that your water pump is failing. It sounds like you're in the terminal stages of water pump bearing failure. If the water pump has more than 50,000 miles on it, you won't be wasting any money replacing it, anyway. If you want to be sure, though, use a mechanic's stethescope to check out the water pump bearing with the engine operating. That will localize the sound to the water pump bearing and, I expect, will convince you that the bearing is the culprit.
As far as how long this bearing will last, I would say a VERY short time. Usually, when a water pump bearing gets to the point of making the sounds you describe, it's in the "terminal" stage of failure. I'd replace it immediately or risk damaage to other parts and/or getting stranded. For your car, this is really not an expensive or difficult service operation.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: SQUEAKS AND GRINDS IN 68 ENGINE AREA
Rick----
Based upon the description and source of the noises that you described, I consider it highly likely that your water pump is failing. It sounds like you're in the terminal stages of water pump bearing failure. If the water pump has more than 50,000 miles on it, you won't be wasting any money replacing it, anyway. If you want to be sure, though, use a mechanic's stethescope to check out the water pump bearing with the engine operating. That will localize the sound to the water pump bearing and, I expect, will convince you that the bearing is the culprit.
As far as how long this bearing will last, I would say a VERY short time. Usually, when a water pump bearing gets to the point of making the sounds you describe, it's in the "terminal" stage of failure. I'd replace it immediately or risk damaage to other parts and/or getting stranded. For your car, this is really not an expensive or difficult service operation.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Stethescope.......
if ya don't have one, a long rod, or a long socket extension will do just as well.Comment
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Stethescope.......
if ya don't have one, a long rod, or a long socket extension will do just as well.Comment
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Re: Stethescope.......
Good advise thus far. Another source for bearing noise near the front of the engine is the alternator.TonyComment
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Re: Stethescope.......
Good advise thus far. Another source for bearing noise near the front of the engine is the alternator.TonyComment
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Re: Stethescope.......
Tony----
Yes, the alternator is another possibility and the Air Injection Reactor Pump is another. To verify if the A.I.R. pump is the culprit, simply remove the belt.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: Stethescope.......
Tony----
Yes, the alternator is another possibility and the Air Injection Reactor Pump is another. To verify if the A.I.R. pump is the culprit, simply remove the belt.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: Stethescope.......
Still another possibility is if the outer ring of your harmonic balancer is starting to separate from the inner portion, and is beginning to rub up against the timing chain cover. It doesn't exactly sound like a terminal water pump, but unless you're on your toes, it sure seems like the noise is coming from the water pump.
Bill BairdComment
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Re: Stethescope.......
Still another possibility is if the outer ring of your harmonic balancer is starting to separate from the inner portion, and is beginning to rub up against the timing chain cover. It doesn't exactly sound like a terminal water pump, but unless you're on your toes, it sure seems like the noise is coming from the water pump.
Bill BairdComment
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